Photo of a transitional garden in Newark with a water feature.

Conservation Grass

This is an example of a transitional garden in Dallas with a water feature.

Claremont Court

Jetton Construction, Inc.

Charles Debbas Architecture Lane McNab Interiors Joe Fletcher Photography
This is an example of a transitional garden in San Francisco with a water feature.

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Charles McClure, landscape architect

Charles McClure - Professional Site Planning

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard garden in Santa Barbara with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Anthony Cusat of McHale Landscape Design

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Design ideas for a transitional garden in DC Metro with a water feature.

Rich Residence- A.P.L.D SIlver Award Residential Garden Design

Nigel Rollings Landscape Design

Aerial view of the Rich Residence in Brooklyn, NY. Winner of Silver award for Residential Garden Design, awarded by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, 2006. Featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Multiple hardscape media used: brick pavers, decking

Highland Park Shade Garden and Patio

Van Zelst Inc

Photo by Linda Oyama Bryan
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard garden in Chicago with a water feature and decomposed granite.

Resin Bound Driveway Install

User

Transitional garden in Other.

Beaverton Cabana and Pool

C&R Remodeling

A large but pedestrian back yard became a glamorous playground for grown-ups. The vision started with a motion pool and cabana. As the design progressed, it grew to encompass the entire yard area. The Cabana is designed to embrace entertaining, with an interior living space, kitchenette, and an open-air covered hearth area. These environments seamlessly integrate and visually connect to the new garden. The Cabana also functions as a private Guest House, and takes advantage of the beautiful spring and summer weather, while providing a protected area in the cold and wet winter months. Sustainable materials are used throughout and features include an open hearth area with fireplace, an interior living space with kitchenette and bathroom suite, a spa tub and exercise pool. Terry Poe Photography

Entry Fountain

All Oregon Landscaping

Front entry garden bed with basalt column water feature.
This is an example of a transitional garden in Portland with a water feature.

William Hefner Architecture Interiors & Landscape

Studio William Hefner

This is an example of a transitional garden in Los Angeles with a water feature.

House of Light: Chevy Chase, Maryland Home inspired by Hugh Newell Jacobsen

Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc.

Featured in Home & Design Magazine, this Chevy Chase home was inspired by Hugh Newell Jacobsen and built/designed by Anthony Wilder's team of architects and designers.

Back Deck and waterfall

JJ Hayden Inc

Walkway to the new deck that hangs over the edge crosses new water feature. The waterfall does not come from the lake it is re-circulating to better manage clarity

Semi D at West Coast

IX Architects Pte Ltd

This is an example of a transitional garden in Singapore.

Balinteer Dublin

Cutting Edge Landscapes Ltd.

Fintan Damer
Large transitional garden in Dublin.

Conservation Grass

This is an example of a transitional backyard garden in Dallas with a water feature.

Charles McClure, landscape architect

Charles McClure - Professional Site Planning

This is an example of a large transitional backyard garden in Santa Barbara with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

William Hefner Architecture Interiors & Landscape

Studio William Hefner

Design ideas for a transitional garden in Los Angeles with a retaining wall.

Transitional Garden Design Ideas

Get Inspired by Transitional Gardens on Houzz

A lot of the time when you get home from a long day at work, all you want to do is wind down. Where better to do this than in your very own transitional garden at home? If you do it right, a great garden design can send you right into holiday mode. But where to start? There’s so many styles to choose from when it comes to garden design. Whether you want to create a tropical, modern, contemporary, beach style or country garden - or something else entirely - the large garden image gallery on Houzz has got you covered. Get inspired and collect your ideas to narrow down your desired garden style and features.

How to Create a Transitional Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a transitional garden and if it’s appropriate for your climate. You may want to consider adding a deck or other landscaping features, but the plants you choose will mostly dictate your style and what kind of ongoing maintenance is required. Don’t worry if your backyard isn’t very spacious - there are many plants that can thrive even in a small space and allow you to turn your space into a little paradise of your own, regardless of size.

Decide which plants to use

The greenery you choose is critical to your look. For example, if you’re trying to create a tropical garden palm trees and bamboo are your go-to options. Other popular options are golden cane palm trees and fern for ground cover. From there you can add some colour with bright flowers like frangipani, hibiscus or bromeliads. All these are actually quite hardy plants, so once established, your tropical garden is actually quite easy to maintain. Use this structure and apply it to your style. Research which plants you need to set your base for a transitional garden and go from there.

Add some decor

If the plants don’t quite do it for you yet, or if you want to add some extra wow-factor, consider adding some extra features. Even if you can’t accommodate a swimming pool, hot tub or pond, you could look at smaller water features. Simple rocks can also have a great effect, while statues and gnomes will add some extra character. Don’t forget to add some furniture so you have a nice place to sit and enjoy your garden!

Need some help?

Once you know what you want your garden to look like, it may be hard to make it a reality on your own. If that is the case for you, consider consulting a professional to help you with your transitional garden design. Every photo you find on Houzz will lead you to the local pro that did the job, so you won’t have a problem picking the perfect person to help! Whether you need a gardener in Brisbane, a landscape architect in Melbourne or a fireplace installer in Sydney, you can be sure to find one on Houzz.